And that’s exactly what the ninth overall pick in April’s draft wants.

"I’m the new guy on the block. So they’re going to be out there throwing at me," said Milliner as a smile crossed his face. "But I’ll be ready for it. I’ll expect it. I want plays like that so I can make plays on the ball."

Milliner seems excited by the prospect, even as the Jets open their season Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the man he was chosen to replace — All-Pro Darrelle Revis.

The Jets will count heavily on three rookies who expect to start in the opener — Milliner, quarterback Geno Smith and defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson. But neither Richardson nor Smith faces the very imposing shadow of a Pro-Bowl predecessor, especially one who just so happens to be making his return in their debut.

However each rookie will contend with high expectations and the sometimes-difficult transition into the NFL.

That first game — and the entire first season — can be trying, especially for first-round picks, said Kellen Winslow, himself a No. 6 overall selection in 2004.

There’s the pressure and expectations. There’s the ramped-up speed of the game. And there’s the moment you realize the stars you once idolized are now coming for you.

"There’s no room for fear," Winslow said. "But you think, ‘I’m in the NFL now, so I got to play different. Oh [shoot], I’m going against Ray Lewis, Ed Reed.’ That was my first game. You’re anxious and have that little doubt in you."

No one is immune, Winslow says. No even Milliner, no matter how calm and composed he was Friday.

"You’re real anxious. You’re nervous," he said. "You know you’re ready, but there’s still that little doubt there, ‘Oh [man], can I do this?’ I’ve got to prove to my teammates that I can do this.’ "

Right guard Willie Colon says all rookies come in energetic and naive. Then they learn what the league is all about.

"We all start out as ponies, and we all end up as warhorses, all scarred up," he said with a knowing smile.

Richardson did not try to hide his emotions.

"I’m anxious. Real anxious," said the 13th overall pick out of Missouri. "I’m crunked. I’m too hyped for it, my first NFL game. I’m trying to make a name for myself from the moment I [walk] into the NFL until the moment I leave."

Milliner’s sights however seemed solely focused on the Bucs. He says his sore Achilles feels "100 percent" and is not a concern.

And the Alabama product did not flinch when asked about Revis.

"I’ll just do what I’m supposed to do. Control what I can do," he said. "He’s his man. I’m my own man."

The rookie who’s his "own hard critic" is too busy focusing on his own game.

"I’m criticizing my own self before any coach or any other player does," Milliner said. "That’s just a thing that I always harp on with myself so I try to be great."